Terry sacked as captain

Friday, 03/02/2012

John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy.

The Chelsea defender was informed of the decision this morning in a call from FA chairman David Bernstein.

The FA has said that he must not be considered to wear the captain's armband until the current court proceedings against him have been resolved.

Westminster magistrates earlier this week sent Terry to face a charge of alleged racial abuse against QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

His case is due to be heard on July 9. His legal advisers have said he will fight the accusation.

Terry lost the England captain's role two years ago following revelations about his private life before being reinstated by manager Fabio Capello.

It is understood that Capello had no say in removing the captain but that he has been told Terry can be selected for Euro 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine.

Capello will also make a decision on who will replace Terry in the role.

In a statement the FA said: "The FA board expected the trial to be concluded prior to the European Championship.

"Further to Wednesday's confirmation that the trial will not take place until after the tournament, the board has discussed the matter in detail and has collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties that John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed at this time."

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